Workshop Session
Participatory music programs in prison gained popularity in recent years due to their contribution to more humane correctional facilities. Previous research highlights the outcomes of these programs for incarcerated participants, like managing and expressing emotions, or self-development. However, a deeper understanding on how, why, for whom and under which circumstances these outcomes emerge remains under investigated. To respond to this research gap, this ongoing PhD research aims to develop a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms (e.g. providing a safe space, applying a Freirean approach) and contextual factors (e.g. the prison context, the background of the music facilitator) behind participatory music programs in prison, that trigger (un)intended outcomes. Based on preliminary findings from a realist synthesis, theory-gleaning interviews with international key stakeholders such as academics and music program developers, and participant observations of participatory music programs in prison, initial program theories are developed. An example of such an initial program theory about participatory music programs in prison is: It is expected that, if a shared goal [mechanism] is established during the participatory music program in prison, the self-confidence of incarcerated participants increases [outcome 1]. Participants experience a sense of accomplishment [outcome 2], which facilitates their self-development [outcome 3]. This research is of added value for practice and academia since it provides deeper and richer information on how to deal with the challenges related to organizing participatory music programs in a prison setting.
